Central Tech Drumright OK

Topic 14928 | Page 1

Page 1 of 1
toonces's Comment
member avatar

I've been asked by a couple of people for information on Central Tech so I thought I would put it in one place so that it could be found if someone has a question in the future. I don't have time to commit to a training diary so I'm just putting it here in General Discussion.

From what I can tell, the school is top-notch. A couple of the recruiters said they come here specifically because they know the students come out of the school extremely well-prepared. Another one (I think TMC) said it's one of the top 5 in the country. Take that with a grain of salt though since he was trying to get us to work for his company. It's a state school, so you know they're not just trying to get your money like some private schools. The in-state tuition is $4,000 or $4,500 if you want to attend the permit prep class. The tuition includes your housing in Drumright. Because of advice I read here on TT, I applied for a WIA grant for my tuition and was approved quickly. 20160615_184129_zps7mh8v4ms.jpg

For the first few days, you will be learning in a classroom and have homework. There are lots of tests, which you need to make at least an 80 on or you will be given a written warning. The first time you see your truck is the first day you do a pre-trip. You will do a pre-trip every day. You will have a partner in class, who changes every day.

There are 2 students per truck. When we are about to learn a new skill, first our instructor will demonstrate it. Then we all go to our trucks to attempt the skill. While we are doing this, there are about 4 or 5 other instructors driving around the range in golf carts. They will stop and help you if they see you need it. They all have cb's so if we need someone, we can just call them over. They keep a close eye on you. You'll never just be stuck not knowing what to do.

The equipment is very new. 2013-2015 Freightliner Cascadias. All 10 speed manual transmissions.

After you start being on the range all day, you will still have homework every night. It's a lot to keep up with. After class is over for the day, you will basically have time to eat dinner for an hour, then you will spend most of the remaining evening reading and doing homework, studying the pre-trip and for tests.

The housing for men is mostly 4 or 5 bedroom houses that you will share with other male students. You'll have your own room and a housekeeper. The women are housed separately in different areas. I'm at a motel called the Drumright Inn with a couple of other female students. From what I've heard from the guys in my class, their housing is pretty good. This motel is ok, but the showers and beds are pretty awful.

The town is TINY. There's not even a Wal-mart or McDonald's here, so that tells you something about the size. There's a little grocery store and basically about 5 places to get lunch. You'll get to know these places well! if you need something that the grocery store doesn't carry, there is a Wal-mart in Cushing, which is about 10 miles away. I know most people outside of OK probably think of us as mostly rural, but I'm definitely a city girl. I could never live in this town. But it almost works to your advantage for school because there are few distractions.

Overall, I feel lucky to be at this school. Out of like 8 or so instructors, there's not one jerk. Every instructor has been kind and helpful. They don't tolerate screwing around though, so keep that in mind. I forgot to mention their experience. I think the least experienced one has 10 years. One man drove for 34 years. My instructor drove for 21.

Besides the obvious advice of keeping up with reading and homework, I would advise to start memorizing your pre-trip as soon as you get the book. I wish I had done this sooner. Also, you will be given a schedule of the entire training. Always glance ahead a few days because my instructor didn't always remind us when we had a skill test the following day. It sneaked up on some people. And if you're fair-skinned like me, wear a hat and suncreen. These are blacktop roads in 95 degree heat right now, and it's only going to get worse in the next couple of months.

Another good thing about the school is that if you fail your first 2 CDL test attempts, they will allow you to stay on for further practice at no additional cost. And if you fail the third try, after you wait the 30 days, they will let you come back and practice for a few days before you re-test. Oh, and I forgot to mention the examiners come here to our range to do the backing tests. I heard this may change because DPS has said it gives us an unfair advantage over other students (which I have to agree with) but hey, they are doing it now so take advantage.

I posted a pic of our range too.

I hope this is enough info. If anyone has questions, I'll be happy to answer. It may just take a few days; this school keeps me busy.

CDL:

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:

  • Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
  • Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.

OWI:

Operating While Intoxicated

B Y 's Comment
member avatar

Wow that course looks awesome. Wish the school I went to had that to learn on.

Redline's Comment
member avatar

I'll be attending there in August. I like it that you have to have your CDL permit and DOT physical before going to class. Their about half the price of another school in Oklahoma City. I wasnt impressed with them at all. They had a little gravel parking area they did their training on. It was nothing compared to Central Tech.

CDL:

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:

  • Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
  • Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.

DOT:

Department Of Transportation

A department of the federal executive branch responsible for the national highways and for railroad and airline safety. It also manages Amtrak, the national railroad system, and the Coast Guard.

State and Federal DOT Officers are responsible for commercial vehicle enforcement. "The truck police" you could call them.

Bucket's Comment
member avatar

It was easy to figure the only girl in the new backing class! You will be long gone before I get back. I didn't get out and look (GOAL) . First test I got 68 needed 70, second, I got the gal from Enid, third after passing skills twice, can't believe I pointed out on driver side parallel. My local tag office employee couldn't believe I still didn't get my CDL-A. She thinks thay may be being harder on me because of my age. I know that wasn't the case for not getting the driver side parallel right. That's on me for not getting out and looking! But I'll be back and Friday the 13th comes on Wednesday next month! LOL :) GOOD LUCK WEDNESDAY!! I think you got this.

CDL:

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:

  • Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
  • Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.

TWIC:

Transportation Worker Identification Credential

Truck drivers who regularly pick up from or deliver to the shipping ports will often be required to carry a TWIC card.

Your TWIC is a tamper-resistant biometric card which acts as both your identification in secure areas, as well as an indicator of you having passed the necessary security clearance. TWIC cards are valid for five years. The issuance of TWIC cards is overseen by the Transportation Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security.

Uriah (FlyingTanker)'s Comment
member avatar

Thank you toonces :) I will be at the Driller's Inn Tuesday afternoon, and Wednesday through Friday, i will be in the permit prep class, if you happen to see me, like around lunch time or something, I am 6'2" blonde man with very blue eyes and I generally wear a long sleeved button up shirt and black jeans.... Just say hi, I might not look approachable when i am concentrating but I don't bite

Page 1 of 1

New Reply:

New! Check out our help videos for a better understanding of our forum features

Bold
Italic
Underline
Quote
Photo
Link
Smiley
Links On TruckingTruth


example: TruckingTruth Homepage



example: https://www.truckingtruth.com
Submit
Cancel
Upload New Photo
Please enter a caption of one sentence or less:

Click on any of the buttons below to insert a link to that section of TruckingTruth:

Getting Started In Trucking High Road Training Program Company-Sponsored Training Programs Apply For Company-Sponsored Training Truck Driver's Career Guide Choosing A School Choosing A Company Truck Driving Schools Truck Driving Jobs Apply For Truck Driving Jobs DOT Physical Drug Testing Items To Pack Pre-Hire Letters CDL Practice Tests Trucking Company Reviews Brett's Book Leasing A Truck Pre-Trip Inspection Learn The Logbook Rules Sleep Apnea
Done
Done

0 characters so far - 5,500 maximum allowed.
Submit Preview

Preview:

Submit
Cancel

Why Join Trucking Truth?

We have an awesome set of tools that will help you understand the trucking industry and prepare for a great start to your trucking career. Not only that, but everything we offer here at TruckingTruth is 100% free - no strings attached! Sign up now and get instant access to our member's section:
High Road Training Program Logo
  • The High Road Training Program
  • The High Road Article Series
  • The Friendliest Trucker's Forum Ever!
  • Email Updates When New Articles Are Posted

Apply For Paid CDL Training Through TruckingTruth

Did you know you can fill out one quick form here on TruckingTruth and apply to several companies at once for paid CDL training? Seriously! The application only takes one minute. You will speak with recruiters today. There is no obligation whatsoever. Learn more and apply here:

Apply For Paid CDL Training